Make Cat Eyes With Eyeliner

The cat eye is a dramatic, classic look that takes some practice to master. The flick, or wing, is the toughest, but most important part of creating a perfect cat eye. This article will teach you several techniques and tricks for getting that flick just right and, with a little practice, you'll be rocking this look in no time.

Steps

Free-handing the Flick

  1. Put on some eyeshadow, starting at the lash line and going all the way up to the crease. The eyeshadow will prime your lid and allow for a smoother application of eyeliner. It will also give the eyeliner something to cling to, so it will stay put and won't smudge or rub off.[1]
    • Because cat eyes are so dramatic, darker eyeshadow colors can look overdone. Instead, consider using a color that matches your skin tone—or is slightly lighter.
    • Don't use a cream eyeshadow—the eyeliner won't stick and could easily wipe off.[1]
  2. Find the right angle for your wing. Hold a brush against the side of your nose and angle it until it points to the end of your eyebrow—this is the line you want your wing to follow.[2] You want your wings to be as identical as possible—different lengths, widths, and angles will look off.[3]
    • Another way to look at it is that the wing is an extension of your lower lash line. Let the flick follow the angle of that line and your wings should be symmetrical.[4]
    • If your eyelids are hooded, make the angle less upward and more straight. This will extend your lash line and open up your eyes.[5]
  3. Make a dot to indicate the tip of your wing on each eye. The higher you make your dot, the thicker and more dramatic your cat eye will be. Make sure the dots are at the same angle and height on both eyes before moving on.[6] It's much easier to erase a dot and move it than an erasing entire wing.
  4. Draw a line connecting the dot to the outer corner of your eye. Don't pull on your skin while drawing the wing. Though it might make it easier to draw on your skin, when you release the skin and it goes back to normal, the wing will look completely different and probably pretty sloppy. Instead, tilt your head back slightly and lower your gaze so that you can see your lash line. This way you can see exactly what you are doing and how your wing will look when you are finished.[2]
  5. Draw another line connecting the dot to the middle of your upper lash line. If you have a round eye, try a thicker wing and line.[7] If you want to extend your lash line and make your eyes look bigger, draw a curved line instead of a straight one. Make sure that the line is curving downwards.[2]
  6. Fill in the outline you have made, if necessary. Depending on how you angled your initial lines, and how thick you drew them, you may or may not need to fill the outline in.
  7. Clean up any mistakes with a pointed Q-tip. The pointed tip will allow you to get into corners and clean along lines without accidentally smudging the eyeliner.[8] You can also dip the Q-tip in primer or eye cream and use that to gently remove any excess eyeliner.
    • Avoid using makeup remover. It might do the job too well and remove any eyeshadow that you put on earlier.[9]
  8. Draw a thin line along your upper lash line, beginning at the inside corner of your eye, near your tear duct.[2] Try your best to do this in a single, fluid motion, otherwise the line may look jerky and uneven.[1] Again, avoid pulling on your eyelid. Instead, tilt your head back slightly and lower your gaze so that you can see your lash line.
    • You can try tightlining your eyelid, which means you get the liner between your lashes and up against your waterline, but this can be difficult to do and may irritate your eye.
  9. Thicken the line as it gets closer toward the outer corner of your eye. Try resting your pinkie on your cheekbone while you do this. It will stabilize your hand and make it easier to get a smooth, straight line instead of a shaky one.[6]
    • If you are using a felt-tip liner, hold it closer to the middle of the tube so you have more control.[1]
  10. Finish with mascara. You want a few layers on the top lashes and a single layer on your bottom lashes. For a glamorous, evening look, consider curling your lashes or popping on a pair of false lashes.

Using Tape

  1. Put on some eyeshadow. Start at your lash line and go all the way up to the crease. The powder will smooth out your lid and help the eyeliner go on smoother. Because cat eyes are so dramatic, consider using a color that matches your skin tone instead of a darker color, which can look overdone.
    • Avoid using a cream-based eyeshadow. The eyeliner won't stick to that very well, and could slide right off.
    • Avoid putting on under-eye concealer just yet. The tape will take it off. Also, the tape may remove any eyeshadow in that area.[10]
  2. Take a short piece of clear tape, and tap it onto your hand. This will make the tape less tacky and gentler on the delicate skin around your eye.[11]
  3. Position the tape along the outer corner of your eye. Place the tape just beneath your lower lashes, and angle the top towards your temple. For a more dramatic look, angle the tape towards the end of your eyebrow instead. This will result in a thicker line.[12]
    • Be sure to press the tape against your skin. This will ensure that the eyeliner (especially liquid) will not bleed through.[10]
    • If your eyelids are hooded, position the tape at less of an upward angle and closer to a straight line.[5]
  4. Apply your eyeliner, but make the line thicken as it goes towards the outer corner of your eye. Don't draw past the corner or onto the tape just yet.[13] If you are having troubles applying the eyeliner smoothly, don't tug on the outer corner of your eye. Instead, try one of the following:
    • Brace your pinkie finger against your cheekbone and hold the eyeliner by the middle.
    • Tilt your head back lightly and lower your gaze. This will allow you to see your lash line.
  5. Extend the line past the corner of your eye, using the tape as a guideline. Don't worry if you get some eyeliner onto the tape. Just make sure that the line gets thinner towards the end.[14] You can make the "flick" as long or as short as you want. The longer it is, the more dramatic your cat eye will be.
  6. Carefully peel the tape off and make any touchups, if necessary. When you pull the tape off, you will see a nice, crisp line.[15] If the tape removed any eyeshadow, carefully patch it up with more eyeshadow. If you usually apply any under eye concealer, you can do so now.
  7. Finish off with mascara or false lashes. Apply a few coats on your upper lashes and a single coat on your bottom lashes. For a more glamorous, evening look, curl your lashes or pop on a pair of false lashes.



Tips

  • Felt-tip eyeliners are easy to use, and offer a great amount of control.
  • If you have not yet styled your hair, consider pulling or pinning it back. This will keep your face clear of any stray hairs. If you have already styled your hair, consider lightly clipping it back instead.
  • The thicker you make your wing, the more retro it will look.
  • Experiment with the length and the angle of the wing to figure out what looks best on you.
  • If you are using a pencil liner, try to get it as sharp as possible. You may need to layer it in order to get that dark look.
  • If you are having troubles making a straight line, try using a credit card or business card. For a curved line, try using a spoon.[16]
  • Liquid eyeliner is ideal for cat eyes, but it can be difficult to use. If you are having difficulties getting the hang of it, try using a gel liner instead. It is also less likely to smudge.[17]
  • Consider applying your cat eye using a gel liner or felt-tip liner first, and then going over it with a liquid liner. This will give you that nice, dark look without the fear of the liquid eyeliner running.[17]

Things You'll Need

Free-handing the Flick

  • Eyeshadow
  • Eyeshadow brush
  • Eyeliner (liquid is recommended)
  • A mirror
  • Mascara

Using Tape

  • Eyeshadow
  • Eyeshadow brush
  • Clear tape
  • Eyeliner (liquid is recommended)
  • A mirror
  • Mascara

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 http://video.allure.com/watch/beauty-basics-how-to-do-a-cat-eye
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://www.xovain.com/makeup/how-to-do-cat-eye-liner-tutorial
  3. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/professional-cat-eye-tricks#slide-1
  4. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/professional-cat-eye-tricks#slide-4
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.refinery29.com/58639#slide-14
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 http://www.refinery29.com/beauty-nation/kimberly-pesch/daytime-cat-eye#slide-2
  7. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/58639#slide-21
  8. ↑ http://video.glamour.com/watch/how-to-create-the-perfect-cat-eye-by-charlotte-tilbury
  9. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/58639#slide-6
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 http://erinashleymakeup.com/tape-trick-for-perfect-winged-liner/
  11. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g19/liquid-eyeliner-tape-trick-how-to/?slide=2
  12. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g19/liquid-eyeliner-tape-trick-how-to/?slide=3
  13. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g19/liquid-eyeliner-tape-trick-how-to/?slide=4
  14. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g19/liquid-eyeliner-tape-trick-how-to/?slide=5
  15. ↑ http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/tips/g19/liquid-eyeliner-tape-trick-how-to/?slide=6
  16. ↑ http://www.careergirldaily.com/how-to-apply-flawless-eyeliner/
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2014/09/cat-eye-liner-trick.html
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